Oral Health through Nutrition

Preventative dental care is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and life, but so is practicing proper eating habits. At Red Bank Smiles, we want to give you the tools necessary to promote lasting health both inside and outside the office. When you understand good nutrition and eating habits to avoid, you can help decrease your risk for tooth decay, gum disease and other dental and general health conditions.

Dental Nutrition and Health

What you put in your mouth deserves a second thought, as its nutritional value directly affects your teeth and gums as well as your health in general. What goes in, much comes out, and for every action there is a reaction. Your mouth and teeth need certain nutrients to stay healthy, such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Depriving your mouth of these essential nutrients can lower your ability to fight infection, leading to gum disease, as well as weakening your teeth. A well-balanced diet full of low-fat dairy products, lean meats and fish, legumes, fruits and vegetables is a good step towards achieving better oral health. Generally, naturally occuring, non-processed, organic, chemical free foods are best.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Did you know you could be fostering a cavity-inducing environment with the foods you eat? Cavities are formed when sugar comes into contact with plaque on the teeth, creating an acid that attacks the surface. All foods contain some sugar, so it’s important to know how much you’re really consuming each day and limit desserts, candy and other sweets. You should also cut down on soda and juice, which coat the teeth in sugar after every sip.

Highly acidic foods can also lead to enamel erosion, leaving your teeth unprotected and prone to damage and sensitivity. Limit citrus, carbonated drinks and sour food and beverages to help protect enamel and keep teeth strong.

Eating Habits

Your mouth is also affected by the way you eat and drink. Snacking throughout the day can increase your chance of developing cavities because when you snack, your mouth doesn’t produce sufficient saliva to lessen the impact of acids and limit decay. Drink plenty of water, especially after a meal, to help wash away food particles and sugar, minimizing your risk of decay and erosion.

About Red Bank Smiles

When it comes to oral health, we know that it affects every part of your life, from how comfortably you can eat to how confidently you smile; from the health of your heart to the health of your brain; that the whole body is connected to the whole person. We understand that you want to be proud of your smile. We understand you want to be comfortable and out of pain. We understand you don’t want to have problems in the future. And we know you don’t want it to cost a lot or take a lot of time. From regular cleanings to full-mouth rehabilitation, call us now to find out how we can help you!